30-strong Maltese team in Berlin Meet

A group of 30 Maltese swimmers are currently in Germany to take part in the Berlin International Swim Meet, an annual event held at this time of the year which attracts swimmers from several European countries and those bordering the Mediterranean.

This meet has become an annual fixture in the Maltese swimmers' calendar and serves as a useful point of reference in their season's preparation.

The group is made up of 11 national team swimmers and 19 club swimmers, 16 from Neptunes and three from IASIS. Between them they will be taking part in about 150 races.

Before travelling to Berlin with the swimmers, national coach Andy Colbourn said that the event will be beneficial to the youngsters from the clubs and the national squad.

"This is a large contingent made up of a good cross section of our swimmers. It is a good indication of the new attitude in Malta towards swimming which is one of co-operation between the coaches and the teams in order to improve the standards of all local swimmers," Colbourn said.

"Things have improved in recent years and this disposition contrasts sharply with that prevailing a few years ago.

"This work ethic by our youngsters and spirit of co-operation are already reaping dividends as shown by the number of age-group records which are being set by swimmers from all clubs."

The national coach was hopeful of a fruitful three days of competition, saying: "I am now looking forward to seeing some more positive results in Berlin."

The programme of events is between tomorrow and Sunday. The group will be returning on Monday.